Seiun wo Kakeru Chapter 30

Chapter 30 – The Festival of Abundant Harvest

Once the sky was dyed red, people started to gather in the open space.
Eiji, who had been there for a long time, gazed at the whole thing from his seat, which he had taken from the very beginning, and gave off a sigh of relief.

So there were also people like this? – he thought.

The open space, in which everyone could sit as they wished, was filled with people.

That was back in his student years during the school assembly. He could recall the long advisory instructions given by the principal during the speech, which Eiji had considered as reproachful. Usually, it would take place during summer or winter season.

This place is full of people unknown to me – he thought.

There were individuals whom he wouldn’t see in his daily life, such as infants, children at the age of elementary school and elderly people with bent lower backs using canes.

– You’re Eiji-san, ain’t you?

– Yes, sorry for the late introduction. I’m looking forward to enjoying today.

The elderly man bowed down to Eiji with a smiling face.

What’s more, many of them knew about him becoming the executive, and about his name and achievement as well.

The faces of the people that gathered were filled with warm smiles. Seeing that, Eiji could definitely understand how enjoyable this event must be for them.

Had they eased up on their field work, it would have backfired on them with lesser amount of crops. No matter how much you don’t feel like working, you couldn’t ease up on your job.

In every job, which covers manual labor, you have to do everything by yourself.

Festivals and holidays, which took place several times a year, were probably considered special, as it was only the only time one could rest from the heavy labor.
During a small break, perhaps I should tell them how to play Othello as a form of amusement. – thought Eiji.

―― The fact that it would later become the reason for turmoil didn’t cross Eiji’s mind now.

Before the inauguration of the festival, the alcohol was distributed.

Was it intended for warming up one’s body? It looked like the beer was heated.

The wooden cup, which was hollowed out, contained the mildly warm beer.

After he drank for a while, the warmth inside his stomach spread thorough his body.
It’s said that people from snow countries can hold their alcohol. Perhaps, the cold is the reason why they can endure drinking this.

– The festival will soon begin.
– Is it going to be your turn now, Adele-san?

Looking next to him, there was Adele dressed unusually beautiful.

Her clothes were made from a smooth fabric, which had no hatchings standing out.

She wore make-up on her face and was more attractive than her usual look.
Adel nodded at Eiji’s words.

– It’s the first time for Eiji-san, isn’t it? We make offerings to the goddess of abundant harvest by performing on the stage.

– Apart from the cattle, which can no longer be of use, we use bracelets and farming tools, such as hoes.

The bracelets and hoes would eventually be thrown and gulped down into swamp as offerings.

As well as this conduct, which was followed by responsibility.

– Acting as a representative of this village, that’s surely a big role.

– Indeed, this is a job suitable for Adele-san, who apart from being pretty, has a calm behavior.

– And y-your point is?

– W-wait a moment!?
– It’s a joke.

Good grief, the people who make jokes are too mischievous.

Speaking of which, she was probably serious about that. I really want her to stop that – thought Eiji.
Adele smiled while apologizing to Eiji, who had a stern expression. Even that one aspect of her behavior made her a different flower from Tanya.

– The ceremony itself will soon end. After that there will be dancing, singing, and cooking. It will become noisy, but please enjoy your first festival, even if you have to bear with it.
Adele, who said it with an expression full of confidence, bowed down as she left.

As Eiji was staring at her silhouette in daze, the sign of someone approaching could be sensed.

It was Fernando, who had his face red from alcohol, staring at him.

– Ain’t you oggling at my wifeee?

– O, oh…..Don’t make me remember unpleasant things. My lower legs throb whenever I think about it.

Trying to subdue his anger, he became pale while holding his left.

You would think he was completely dominated by his wife.

It seemed that behind that kind behavior of hers, there was a severe attitude, similar to her husband.

– But if you drink alcohol, won’t your legs throb even more?

– If you suffer, then I guess that would of little importance.

– Looks like I’m just meddling into somebody else’s problem.

– And then, the thing remaining tomorrow will be the pain.

Though it would probably end quickly.

Eiji, who was once more alone, again looked around in search for the silhouette of his wife.

It felt a little lonesome for Eiji to be waiting alone for the inauguration.
Finally, once the sky changed its color from red to deep blue, and the curtain of night fell on the place, the bonfire was kindled.

The sound of the tree bark bursting was heard together with its scattering spark.

The noisy atmosphere froze in silence for a moment.

The sound of a khakkhara echoed, and then the sound of a drum.

Adele, who was holding a staff in one hand, walked onto the stage from the side of the open space near to it.

The tribal chief – Bona, the manager of women – Jane, and Tanya, all of them were holding offerings.

After that, Mike and Philip appeared, pulling a large cow.

The silence continued.

Even the men, who looked as though they were totally drunk, wouldn’t utter anything frivolous.

The festival was also the worshiping and making dedication to deities.
People were earnestly believing in a god.

– Thou who are the goddess of abundant harvest in this land. We give thanks to thee for thy blessing and the beneficial rain, which you have brought to us for this whole year. We pray for thee to extend thy affection for the upcoming spring crops as thee would always do while we make this dedication for thee.

Adele kneeled down while bowing. All the representatives, who were sitting behind her, bowed in the same manner.
The flame from the bonfire bursted loudly for a moment.

The iron pole was swung down cutting through the air.

The cattle was laid down on its side, and processed quickly and accurately.

Finally, the liver and heart, in which the soul of the cow was residing, were taken out and served as the offerings on the plates.

Translator and reference notes:

[1]: this comes from a Japanese proverb ‘flowers in both hands’, meaning that a man have both of women for himself. Adele is implying that Eiji wants to hog both her and his wife for himself since he flattered her.

Chapter end